Home & Garden
Renaissance of brown
An autumn palette should be like a pumpkin spice latte - spicy, nature-infused and with a shot of cream. Let these flavours inspire you this season with cinnamon browns, creamy neutrals and terracotta taking centre stage with your interiors.
Amthal Karim, Head of Design at Furniture And Choice, comments: “It can’t be denied that brown is having its moment. In fact, we’re predicting brown tones to be even more popular (and moodier) as the temperature drops. Brown tones have had a resurgence over the last few years and there’s a wide range to choose from - light milky lattes or beige, golden caramels, dark chocolate and mochas. Brown’s popularity is linked to the rise of earth tones which take inspiration from the outdoors. Biophilic in nature, earth tones like brown, rust and terracotta create a sense of calm and ground the room.
Choosing brown as a wall colour will make your room feel like a cosy cocoon - perfect for those nights when you just want to stay in and watch Netflix. As people move away from stark whites and cold greys, paint companies have started to highlight this. Dulux likens brown's rise in popularity with the quiet luxury trend where less is more and for 2024 there’s a selection of brown paint tones like Egyptian Cotton, Warm Truffle and Perfectly Taupe.
Now the question is - what shade of brown is the best? Choosing a light brown like camel or beige on the walls will give your living room a luxe feel and a more contemporary touch. They are also super easy to pair with darker brown accents, cream and off-white, pinks and deep blues for contrast. Brown shades with a red or orange undertone will warm up the room and give it that dopamine boost that’s so on
trend. Shades like espresso or mocha can be used to highlight parts of the room like shelving for an alcove. This will draw the eye upwards and serve as a backdrop for neutral, cream and beige accessories.
For the past two years, we have been moving away from rustic decor and towards clean lines and smart curves. This echoes the quiet luxury trend that shows no sign of dying down. Meanwhile, darker brown tones which used to have classic connotations with stately pieces now lean towards more retro or mid-century style prioritising clean, functional design with lots of natural accents. Brown is also an ideal colour pick for your kitchen-diner if you’re inspired by the rise of the cafecore trend where you recreate the look and feel of your favourite coffee bar.
Texture is a key part of bringing this trend to life. Pick natural textures that ground the room and make the space feel cosy through furniture, flooring or on the walls. With brown interiors having their roots in retro style it’s only natural that we
gravitate to wooden textures and soft upholstery like faux leather, cord fabrics and boucle. It also provides the ideal backdrop for accessorising with natural textures like pampas grass that add bits of fluff to your room for a hint of boho style.”
For more ideas, read our guide on brown living room interiors to achieve this look at home www.furniturechoice.co.uk
Kansas 2 Seater Sofa
Mae 2 Seater Sofa
ne w BLOOMS
Turn your interior into a soothing space ready to blossom with the New Blooms collection, candy pastel colour-pop palette that is fresh, juicy and ripe. Natural inspired shapes, gentle textures of waves and florals in this delicate and cute trend. Get your home ready for the sunshine season.
Glass Vase Yellow, £8
Flower Hanging Decoration, £2.50
Large Jar Candle with Cork Lid Assorted, £5 each
Mini Glass Vase Green, £3
Matt Tall Scented Candle, £3
Shell Vase White £10
Flower Candle £1.50
Dried Flowers in Wooden Frame, £6
Scalloped Edge Tray, £8
Also Available in Pink & White
Daisy Trinket Dish, £1.50
Wavy Candle Assorted Colours £3 each Flower Diffuser Assorted Colours £6 each
Mini Bloom Dried Bunch, £3
Faux Plant in Lilac Stripe Pot, £5
Happy Candle with Cork Lid, £3
Large Jar Candle with Cork Lid Hope, £5
Weaver Green are known for their focus on sustainability, using recycled plastic bottles to create their entire product range.
The latest new collection of eco-chic rugs are no exception. These innovative rugs combine incredible durability with sustainability, offering a way to add wonderfully unique, easy to clean rugs to interiors while reducing environmental impact.
Samarkand
Hand woven with meticulous attention to detail, the bohemian new Samarkand rug has the look and feel of real wool. This brand-new rug features warm, monochrome colourways in muted charcoal, ecru and smoky earthy tones and is tightly woven for superior wear and practicality. Available in six sizes, including two runner rugs. Priced from £235.
Aster
This in-house favourite is the most complex kilim design in the entire collection. Perfectly faded in antique soft pink, olive green and charcoal tones, these beautiful rugs have the look and feel of an original wool kilim. Available in five sizes and priced from £235.
Raja Imperial
This wonderful hand-woven artisan kilim rug is inspired by flags adorning the City Palace in Udaipur. Featuring a timeless
geometric motif repeated in ecru, deep sanguine red and indigo blue. Available in five sizes and priced from £235.
Nomad Artemis
This wonderfully colourful rug features a gorgeous, intricate multi-bordered kilim weave in soft pinks, olive and saffron, edged in washed-out denim blue to frame the classic kilim motifs within. Available in 8 sizes including three runner rugs. Priced from £195.
Nomad Stella
This gorgeous finely woven kilim rug combines perfect washedout indigo, ecru and soft greys. Expertly woven by a team of highly skilled artisan kilim weavers. Available in six sizes, priced from £195.
By transforming discarded plastic bottles into beautiful, traditional yet functional rugs, Weaver Green is setting a new standard in eco-friendly home decor. For further information visit www.weavergreen.com
How to Make a Roll Top Bath Work in Your Home
Are you looking to add instant glamour to your bathroom? Or perhaps you’re keen to create a relaxed, tranquil space for your evening soak.
Whatever style you’d like to achieve in your bathroom, a roll top bath offers endless possibilities to transform your space and create a haven in your home.
The roll top bath is a design that lots of people gravitate towards when they are choosing to redesign their bathroom. It’s a classic style, looks good in most spaces and also creates a centrepiece in your room. In fact, a roll top bath is practically a design element all on its own, grounding your room and creating
a focal point. Consider choosing a roll top bath in an eye-catching colour and make a statement with red, duck egg blue or pale pink. Bright colours will look stylish alongside a monochromatic themed bathroom, so consider a tiled black and white floor and accessories, ensuring that your roll top bath takes centre stage.
If you prefer to keep things simple, opt for a white tub with clean floors and walls and create an oasis with potted
greenery that can be placed on the floor around your bath. Draw the eye to your bath by keeping your accessories nearby. For example, you could hang a mirror or piece of art directly behind the bath and arrange towels on the floor near to the foot of the tub. However you choose to decorate, position or incorporate a roll top bath into your home, embrace its oldfashioned appeal and use it to create a bathroom you can’t want to spend time in.
For great ways to brighten up your garden look no further than Solar lighting. Bring a luminous, tranquil and beautiful ambience to your outdoor space.
Metal Wall Art with Solar Light Home Bargains, £4.99
Black Rope Solar Floor Lamp Home Bargains, £14.99 Metal Wall Art with Solar Light Home Bargains, £4.99
£19.99
Rattan Ball Garden Decoration Lights4fun, £29.99 Artificial Wisteria String Solar Lights Home Bargains, £6.99
Property
RENTING IS OUT
AND OWNING IS IN FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS
First-time buyers looking to escape the rental trap and invest in their future can find a great opportunity to settle down at David Wilson Homes’ Thoresby Vale development in Edwinstowe.
Located off Ollerton Road adjacent to the picturesque Sherwood Forest, Thoresby Vale presents a high-quality range of two, three, and four bedroom homes with prices starting from £199,995.
Rather than continuing to pay off someone else’s mortgage through renting, first-time buyers can take advantage of a range of moving schemes and offers at Thoresby Vale to step onto the property ladder and own a home of their own.
Among the options available at the development are the two bedroom Wilford style homes, ideal for those beginning their homeownership journey. These homes feature modern kitchens, spacious living rooms, and private gardens, offering a perfect starter home for new buyers.
In addition to the two bedroom properties currently for sale, David Wilson Homes is offering a variety of deals to make homeownership more attainable with its three bedroom homes. For example, the featured three bedroom Archford style home, Plot 36 includes a £3,000 moving cost contribution, an upgraded kitchen package worth £3,200, and flooring throughout the house valued at £5,310.
Meanwhile, buyers of the selected Hadley home, Plot 164 can benefit from a £7,500 deposit boost, along with an upgraded kitchen, flooring, and bathroom package.
Beyond these offers, purchasing a home at Thoresby Vale is also a smart investment in the long-term. The homes are built with the latest energy efficiency standards, which means lower utility bills and more money saved each month in comparison to older properties.
Martyn Parker, Sales Director at David Wilson Homes North Midlands, said: “Our Thoresby Vale development offers a unique and exciting opportunity for first-time buyers to transition from renting to owning their own home. With a range of high-quality, energy-efficient properties and cost-saving offers, we are committed to making homeownership more accessible and affordable. We believe Thoresby Vale provides the perfect blend of natural beauty, modern conveniences and excellent value, making it an ideal choice for purchasers looking to invest in their future and start building equity in a home of their own.”
Nestled within a 244-acre country park, residents can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and
can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Sherwood Forest.
Despite its tranquil setting, Thoresby Vale is just a 10-minute walk from the charming village of Edwinstowe, where local shops, eateries, and essential amenities are easily accessible.
Families can also appreciate the proximity to Ofsted-rated ‘Good’ schools, ensuring that quality education is close to home. Additionally, with easy access to major roads such as the A614 and A1, commuting and exploring the wider region is straightforward and convenient.
Newark housebuilder releases new homes due to popular demand
Following lots of interest, regional housebuilder Allison Homes East has unveiled a new range of homes at its sought after Kings Meadow development in Fernwood, where 70 percent of the homes in phase 1 have now sold.
Located off Great North Road, Kings Meadow consists of a stunning range of three, four and five bedroom homes.
Property seekers can now enquire about four newly released homes. Home 27 is a three bedroom The Holly style home priced from £279,950, The Walnut Special at Home 28 and Home 29 is a four bedroom home priced from £375,000, and finally, Home 31 is a five bedroom The Ash style home priced from £479,950.
The Holly opens into a hallway, to one side of which is a spacious, dual aspect living room that extends the length of the home. The other side is occupied by a modern combined kitchen and dining area with French doors leading to the
rear garden. Upstairs is the main bedroom which is complete with a fitted wardrobe and en suite, a double bedroom, a single bedroom that can be converted as desired and family bathroom.
The first floor of The Walnut Special features a spacious hallway and dedicated study area, a generous living room that flows into an open plan kitchen, with French doors leading to the rear garden, and a convenient utility room. Upstairs are four bedrooms, the largest of which is complete with an en suite and fitted wardrobes, and a modern family bathroom perfect for larger families.
A large entrance hall is located at the front of The Ash which leads into a downstairs cloakroom and convenient storage cupboard. The right side of the home is occupied by a spacious living room that extends the length of the home and features French doors that lead into the rear garden. The downstairs also
features a private study, a utility room and an open plan section at the rear of the home with a kitchen, family dining area and an additional living area. Upstairs are four bedrooms, two of which are complete with en suite bathrooms, and a further larger bathroom for use by the whole family.
Kelly Toms, Sales and Marketing Director at Allison Homes East, said: “We’re very excited to have launched these new homes at Kings Meadow. The homes here have been very popular so it’s great that local property seekers now have more options. This is an excellent development in a great location with something to offer everyone from first time buyers to those looking to upsize.
“We expect to see a high level of interest in this new selection of homes, so I would highly encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with our sales team or come and visit the development to avoid missing out on a great home.”
To find out more about the properties available at Kings Meadow, visit www.allison-homes.co.uk/ development/kings-meadow/, or contact the sales team on kings.meadow@allison-homes.com or 07920 725146. The marketing suite is open 12pm to 7pm on Thursday, and 10am to 5pm on Friday to Monday.
Showhome style inspires homeowner to get into decorating
A mother of four and passionate interior design enthusiast has found inspiration personalising her new home and garden after purchasing a property at Bilsthorpe Chase from Nottinghamshire housebuilder, Harron Homes.
Sallyann Ainley, 58, moved from her family house in Mapperley to a fourbedroom Hambleton home at Bilsthorpe Chase in Bilsthorpe, Newark, shortly after her youngest child left for university. Though she had previously worked as a daycare nurse, a teaching assistant, and an accountant, Sallyann was recently forced into unemployment by a severe illness. Having recovered, she now cares for her mother, who lives only 20 minutes away from Sallyann’s new home.
Because of her carer responsibilities, Sallyann wanted a home that she could move into without hassle. At the same time, now no longer in employment, she wanted a home where she could embark on a small redecoration project. The fourbedroom Hambleton offered her a blank canvas she could make her own, and she moved in straight away.
“The size of the house compared to the price was incredible,” added Sallyann. “I opted for Harron because the aesthetic finish of their homes really is just a cut above. They evidently take so much care over the design of their properties. I have gotten such great value for my money here while still being able to live in a home with a lot of stylistic flair.
“What drew me to Harron is how customisable the homes are. They have this excellent finish, but there is so much scope to make the home your own, and you can get really creative with that.”
After recreating the home’s interior décor to give it her unique twist, Sallyann brought in some of her own DIY furniture, which she upholstered to fit Harron’s modern, deluxe style.
“There is a lot of sturdy, great-quality furniture out there which just needs a bit of care. You can buy old furniture, often for a cheap price from a local antique store, take it home, strip it, sand it, fix it up, add new handles, a bit of paint, and there you go. I’ve made sure to upholster the new purchases in a way that blends in with Harron’s signature style.
“My grandmother was a dressmaker and upholsterer by trade,” said Sallyann. “So I learnt the same skills by watching and imitating her. I had my first unofficial solo project at age 14, when I sanded
and stripped my bedroom floor and re-decorated the entire room!”
From childhood onwards, Sallyann has spent her life honing her skills. “When I was a young mother, I would perform fix-up jobs on friends’ and neighbours’ old furniture to earn a bit of extra cash in aid of my growing family. The Harron Home didn’t require a complete overhaul, because the design is already so appealing, but it was great for me to be able to add my own unique spin on it.”
“Since I’m out of work for the time being, and since my kids have now all left home, decorating my home has been something of a personal project for me. As soon as I moved in, I got started. After that, I set to work on the garden, which I’ve just completed! This whole experience has really inspired me to lean into my interests, and I am now looking to set up my own independent small business to inspire other homeowners. I want to help unlock their creativity and bring their visions to life for their own homes and gardens.”
Bilsthorpe Chase enjoys an enviable location in the countryside with green fields on all sides and large areas of natural beauty like Sherwood Pines only a stone’s throw away.
“Harron always tend to find nice
areas, and they don’t make their developments too massive, so it’s a Goldilocks fit for me. The village of Bilsthorpe is a short walk away. I can take an amble down the road, and I’m soon met with the comforts of urban living –restaurants, gyms, supermarkets – you name it. Up the road there’s a lovely farm shop which I can walk to in just under 15 minutes.
“At the same time, the development is placed at a snug distance from built-up areas, so you still get the perks of rural living. It’s really the best of both worlds.”
Natalie Griffiths, Sales and Marketing Director for Harron Homes North Midlands, said: “The aesthetic finish of our homes is something we are known for, and we are always proud to provide our customers with homes that combine expert design with comfort and convenience.
“But a home is also something to make your own, which is exactly what Sallyann has done here. It is brilliant to see her get stuck in and put her personal stylistic stamp on the place.”
Bilsthorpe Chase is a selection of two, three, four, and five-bedroom homes situated in the charming village of Bilsthorpe, Newark. With prices starting from as low as £199,995, customers looking to get on the property ladder or those keen to move house can get in touch with the sales team on 01623 549018.
For more information please visit www.harronhomes.com/find-a-home/ nottinghamshire/bilsthorpe-chase.
Helping Your Children Climb The Property Ladder
Zoe Till from Nelsons discusses factors to consider before making such a significant financial decision
Gift or loan?
Firstly, decide whether the money you provide will be a gift or a loan. If it’s a gift, you will not have any right to get the money back. If it’s a loan, consider setting up a formal agreement to outline repayment terms. This ensures there is no ambiguity about the expectations on both sides.
Inheritance Tax (IHT) considerations
Helping your child buy a home can reduce your estate for Inheritance Tax (IHT) purposes. However, remember that gifts may only be exempt from IHT if you live for seven years after making the gift.
Lump sum or regular gifts?
A lump sum can help cover a significant portion of the purchase, but regular gifts from surplus income can provide a steady income stream to help towards the mortgage payments. This can also remove value from your estate quicker without waiting 7 years.
Protecting family wealth
If your child is married or cohabiting, consider advising them to seek advice on a pre or postnuptial agreement, or a cohabitation agreement. This can help protect your family wealth in case the relationship ends ensuring your children’s financial interests are protected too.
Impact on parents’ life
Before giving money away, consider how it will impact your life. Will you have enough money to live on? If you’re considering making pension withdrawals, remember to consider the tax consequences.
Tax consequences
Large lump sums from pensions could push you into a higher tax bracket or cause you to lose your personal allowance. Key tax implications:
• Tax-free lump sum: You can usually take up to 25% of the amount built up in any pension as a tax-free lump sum. The maximum tax-free amount is £268,2751.
• Remaining amount: After taking the tax-free portion, the remaining amount is subject to tax. For example, if your pension is worth £60,000 and you take £15,000 tax-free, the provider will tax the remaining £45,000.
• Higher rate tax: If you take a large amount from your pension, you might owe Income Tax at a higher rate.
Pension considerations
Pensions are generally free from IHT, so it might be more suitable to leave pension assets untouched and consider gifting other assets instead. This will still allow you to help your children, while also considering tax efficiency.
Lifetime ISA
Encouraging children to save into a Lifetime ISA (LISA) has several benefits:
• Bonus: allows individuals aged 18-39 to save up to £4,000 annually. The Government adds a 25% bonus on top, potentially giving them £1,000 of free cash each year.
• Tax-free interest: The interest earned within a LISA is tax-free
• First home purchase: Children can use the LISA savings (after having the account open for a year) towards their first home deposit, helping them step onto the property ladder.
• Retirement savings: If not used for a home, the LISA continues to grow for retirement. It’s a long-term investment.
As for parents giving money to their children to put into the LISA:
• It’s a great way to help them save for a home or retirement.
• It fosters a savings mentality and financial responsibility.
Comment
Helping your children onto the property ladder can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to consider all the implications. Always seek professional advice to ensure you make the best decision for your family’s financial future.
POPULAR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE DEVELOPMENT
FINAL HOMES AVAILABLE AT
The final countdown is on at Barratt Homes’ Beeston Quarter development in Nottinghamshire, which now has less than 13 homes remaining for sale*.
Located on Technology Drive in the bustling town of Beeston, this popular development has is currently offering its final three, four, and six bedroom homes, ideal for families, downsizers and working professionals alike.
The homebuilder is inviting househunters to visit the development on Saturday 24th August to Monday 26th August, where they will have the opportunity to receive a £1,000 voucher if they reserve during the event. Across the three days, there will be an Independent Mortgage Adviser on hand for advice and an on-day qualification to buy.
Among the remaining homes are the stylish three bedroom Kingsville and Haversham style homes, starting from £384,995 and £399,995 respectively. Both homes come with significant savings, including deposit contributions of up to £20,000 on selected properties. An upgraded kitchen and flooring package is also included with these particular homes, ensuring an impressive finish throughout.
For those in need of more space, the six bedroom Fircroft, starting from £489,995,
To
offers a luxurious option with the same fantastic package, including substantial savings and upgraded features.
Martyn Parker, Sales Director at Barratt Homes North Midlands, said: “With less than 13 homes for sale at Beeston Quarter, it’s now the final opportunity to secure a beautiful home in the heart of Beeston.
“We warmly invite potential buyers to meet with our sales team and take a tour of our show homes to truly experience the exceptional lifestyle Beeston Quarter has to offer.
“With excellent transport links, local amenities, and a welcoming community, this development really is a great place to call home. Now is the perfect time to visit us and envision your future here.” For those with a love of exploring, the development’s proximity to the M1, A52, and A453 makes travel to Derby, Leicester and Loughborough simple, opening up a range of opportunities for family days out and weekend getaways.
Residents at Beeston Quarter can enjoy the Attenborough Nature Centre and Reserve just a short walk away from the development .
Queen’s Medical Centre is just three miles away, which is ideal for anyone looking to make the most of Barratt Homes’ Key Worker Deposit Contribution scheme.
As the development nears completion, this is one of the last chances for potential buyers to secure a home at Beeston Quarter. For more information about Beeston Quarter, call the Barratt Homes sales team on 033 3355 8472.